Long Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Long Geo

Beacon on Tor Ness and the Berry, Hoy
Beacon on Tor Ness and the Berry, Hoy Credit: Mike Pennington

Long Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago in northern Scotland. It is classified as a headland, specifically a point that juts out into the sea. Situated on the northeastern coast of the island, Long Geo offers breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and rugged cliffs.

The name "Long Geo" is derived from the Old Norse language, where "Geo" refers to a narrow inlet or cleft in the shoreline. This accurately captures the nature of the feature, as it consists of a long, narrow and steep-sided inlet that reaches out into the North Sea. The towering cliffs surrounding Long Geo are composed of sandstone and have been weathered by the elements over time, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape.

The area around Long Geo is rich in biodiversity, with various seabirds, including puffins and guillemots, nesting on the cliffs. The coastal waters are also home to a diverse range of marine life, such as seals, dolphins, and various species of fish.

Long Geo is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers who are drawn to its rugged beauty and the abundance of wildlife. Visitors can explore the headland by following a well-defined path that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. It is also possible to access the beach at the base of the cliffs, although caution is advised as the terrain can be treacherous.

Overall, Long Geo in Orkney is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty and geological diversity of the region. Its stunning cliffs, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for those exploring this picturesque part of Scotland.

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Long Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.778493/-3.2966321 or Grid Reference ND2588. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Beacon on Tor Ness and the Berry, Hoy
Beacon on Tor Ness and the Berry, Hoy
Cliffs at the Berry, Hoy, from the sea Taken from about ND 21 86
Cliffs at the Berry, Hoy, from the sea
Taken from about ND 21 86
Broughs of the Berry, Hoy These 20m islands have some interesting arches. A hanging crack on the north west side provides some sporting climbing.
Broughs of the Berry, Hoy
These 20m islands have some interesting arches. A hanging crack on the north west side provides some sporting climbing.
Children's den at Ha Wick What looks to be a child's den built from flotsam.  This bay is located on one of the most dangerous stretches of coastline in the country and has been the scene of many tragedies.
Children's den at Ha Wick
What looks to be a child's den built from flotsam. This bay is located on one of the most dangerous stretches of coastline in the country and has been the scene of many tragedies.
Quarry workings on Melsetter Hill This is one of several small disused quarry workings at the summit of Melsetter Hill.
Quarry workings on Melsetter Hill
This is one of several small disused quarry workings at the summit of Melsetter Hill.
Old dyke on Melsetter Hill This dyke which is damaged in many areas has been replaced by a wooden fence.  Melsetter Hill is rough grazing at the summit but the lower slopes are grazed by many cattle.
Old dyke on Melsetter Hill
This dyke which is damaged in many areas has been replaced by a wooden fence. Melsetter Hill is rough grazing at the summit but the lower slopes are grazed by many cattle.
Summit cairn of Melsetter Hill Small cairn at the summit of the hill.
Summit cairn of Melsetter Hill
Small cairn at the summit of the hill.
Rough Grazing near to Tor Ness This photo is typical of the lower ground on Hoy.  Small fenced fields for cattle lower down while the hill ground is used for sheep.
Rough Grazing near to Tor Ness
This photo is typical of the lower ground on Hoy. Small fenced fields for cattle lower down while the hill ground is used for sheep.
Loch of Tor Ness This small loch was a temporary home for four herons today.  The 175 metre high cliffs of The Berry can be seen in the distance.  Very easy walking here on close cropped grazing land.
Loch of Tor Ness
This small loch was a temporary home for four herons today. The 175 metre high cliffs of The Berry can be seen in the distance. Very easy walking here on close cropped grazing land.
Tor Ness Lighthouse (A3600) Built in 1937 this 26 metre tower protects shipping on what is a very hazardous stretch of coastline.  There is much evidence of wreckage along this coast.
Tor Ness Lighthouse (A3600)
Built in 1937 this 26 metre tower protects shipping on what is a very hazardous stretch of coastline. There is much evidence of wreckage along this coast.
Orth of Hawick Looking over Long Geo towards Orth of Hawick and the 175 metre high cliffs of The Berry.  What a wonderful collection of names.
Orth of Hawick
Looking over Long Geo towards Orth of Hawick and the 175 metre high cliffs of The Berry. What a wonderful collection of names.
Tor Ness Lighthouse (A3600) Looking over a memorial cross from a narrow spit of land with an exposed drop on either side.  The light was built in 1937.
Tor Ness Lighthouse (A3600)
Looking over a memorial cross from a narrow spit of land with an exposed drop on either side. The light was built in 1937.
Painted cliffs Naturally coloured rocks are common. Whole giant artworks not so!
Painted cliffs
Naturally coloured rocks are common. Whole giant artworks not so!
Tor Ness light approach Also known as Torness; Kilns Of Hawick and Berry Head
A marvellous setting, with the expanse of Pentland Firth one side and the moors and hills of Hoy the other.
An easy and gentle walk from Melsetter.
This light itself is modern (according to the Northern Lighthouse Board 1980) <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.nlb.org.uk/LighthouseLibrary/Lighthouse/Tor-Ness/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.nlb.org.uk/LighthouseLibrary/Lighthouse/Tor-Ness/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> 
Powered by an underground cable from Melsetter.
Before the light the area was said to be "a veritable graveyard of wrecks"
Far more lighthouses here <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gallery/lighthouses_8677" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gallery/lighthouses_8677">Link</a>
Tor Ness light approach
Also known as Torness; Kilns Of Hawick and Berry Head A marvellous setting, with the expanse of Pentland Firth one side and the moors and hills of Hoy the other. An easy and gentle walk from Melsetter. This light itself is modern (according to the Northern Lighthouse Board 1980) LinkExternal link Powered by an underground cable from Melsetter. Before the light the area was said to be "a veritable graveyard of wrecks" Far more lighthouses here Link
Hoy Paradise - Orth of Hawick The bay below Tor Ness light - Ha Wick. A dream of warm sand, lounging seal, flotsam and peace. BUT only on a day like this!
It is a thunderous and dramatic place on a wild day.
Hoy Paradise - Orth of Hawick
The bay below Tor Ness light - Ha Wick. A dream of warm sand, lounging seal, flotsam and peace. BUT only on a day like this! It is a thunderous and dramatic place on a wild day.
Hoy - the Kilns of Hawick Between the lighthouse and Ha Wick Bay, a short section of geos and pinnacles, overlooking the Atlantic and the entrance to Pentland Firth.
Wonderfully cushioned underfoot.
Hoy - the Kilns of Hawick
Between the lighthouse and Ha Wick Bay, a short section of geos and pinnacles, overlooking the Atlantic and the entrance to Pentland Firth. Wonderfully cushioned underfoot.
Dozing seal in Sands Geo Completely at home, these seal rise and fall in perfect snoozing buoyancy.
On a nice day, such as this, it is possible to watch them for hours.
Only a few minutes' walk from the bus route.
Dozing seal in Sands Geo
Completely at home, these seal rise and fall in perfect snoozing buoyancy. On a nice day, such as this, it is possible to watch them for hours. Only a few minutes' walk from the bus route.
Berry Seacliffs, Hoy These impressive sandstone cliffs have some fine arches and a stack which is just to the left of this picture. The rock, however is poor and frequently loose.
Berry Seacliffs, Hoy
These impressive sandstone cliffs have some fine arches and a stack which is just to the left of this picture. The rock, however is poor and frequently loose.
Show me another place!

Long Geo is located at Grid Ref: ND2588 (Lat: 58.778493, Lng: -3.2966321)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///efficient.posts.pursuing. Near Lyness, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.778493,-3.2966321
Tor Ness
Man Made: lighthouse
Seamark Light Character: Fl
Seamark Light Colour: white
Seamark Light Height: 21
Seamark Light Period: 3
Seamark Light Range: 10
Seamark Light Reference: A 3600
Seamark Light Sequence: 0.3+(2.7)
Seamark Name: Tor Ness
Seamark Type: light_minor
Wikidata: Q28858425
Lat/Long: 58.7783038/-3.2963372
Tor Ness
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.7764345/-3.2894188
Wastlee Moor
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.779643/-3.2903746
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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